HR Specialist: and Payroll - US Secret Service Support

Summary of Role

HR Specialists in Benefits and Payroll administer federal benefits programs and provide counseling on retirement, health coverage, life insurance, and leave programs, while coordinating payroll-related actions.

• Advise employees on FEHB, FEGLI, FERS, TSP, and leave policies.
• Process benefits elections and payroll adjustments.
• Coordinate retirement packages.
• Resolve employee benefit inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with DHS and OPM benefits regulations.
• Benefits Administration
  • Administer employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, retirement, and leave programs.
  • Manage open enrollment, employee eligibility, and benefit plan changes throughout the year.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits-related inquiries and issue resolution.
  • Collaborate with insurance brokers and benefit vendors to ensure smooth operations and service delivery.
  • Coordinate benefits education sessions and communications to enhance employee understanding and engagement.
  • Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in human resources management and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
  • Audit and maintain accurate benefit use and accruals. Facilitate audits by providing records and documentation to auditors.
  • Reconcile benefits invoices and payroll deductions monthly, including COBRA enrollments and terminations, 403(b) contributions, FSA accounts and others.
• Payroll Management
  • Manage and process bi-weekly payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state and local laws.
  • Maintain payroll records, deductions (for benefits, retirement, garnishments), and tax with holdings in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Reconcile payroll accounts and collaborate with Finance on reporting, audits, and budgeting.
  • Administer wage adjustments, retroactive pay, and off-cycle payments as needed.
  • Ensure compliance with FLSA, IRS regulations, and other applicable wage and hour laws.
  • Liaison with payroll vendors to ensure payroll tax returns are filed timely and maintain accurate payroll tax records.
  • Review and update payroll-related policies and procedures for clarity and compliance.
  • Assist People & Culture with onboarding/entry of the open enrollment processes for new employee benefits and payroll.
  • Special projects and tasks as assigned.
• Compliance and Reporting
  • Ensure all payroll and benefits programs comply with applicable laws (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, etc.).
  • Prepare and file required reports such as ACA filings, 403(b) or 401(k) contributions, and benefits audits.

• 5+ years of experience
• Ability to successfully complete a DHS Public Trust background check.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration.
• A deep understanding of various employee benefits, including health, retirement, and insurance.
• Intermediate/expert skills in Excel required.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at all levels across the organization.
• Monitors own work to ensure professional quality and punctuality.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) is highly preferred.